Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Izzy Sage was looking for answers when she took a job as keeper of the death gate in Detroit. Unfortunately, the answers being delivered aren’t what she was hoping for. Personal worries have to take a backseat, though, because the reaper world is in an uproar.

News that their former leader Renley Hatfield was working with the enemy has spread, but that doesn’t mean the good guys can trust everybody that’s left. With that in mind, Cormack Grimlock has closed ranks. Only those in their inner circle are allowed access to all the information. Sadly, there is very little information to go around.

Despite that, Belle Isle is hopping with activity thanks to an influx of furries who are running rampant across the island for a local convention. Even the mysterious death of one of their own in the waters off the yacht club doesn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Izzy isn’t convinced that the death is an accident but they don’t have proof otherwise, so she looks elsewhere for adventure.

Then, in the middle of the night, adventure comes to her in the form of Emmet Grimlock, the missing Grimlock patriarch who disappeared through the gate weeks before.

A dream leads Izzy to the gate in time to watch him cross over, but Emmet’s memory is tainted and he has nothing to offer by way of leads. While dealing with his return, Izzy’s grandfather finally decides to make a visit, too. He senses Izzy needs him, which means even more trouble is on the way.

Unauthorized gates are popping up all over Detroit, and revenants are crossing through them. The reapers are on the verge of war, and Izzy might be the only one who can save them.

She might’ve come to Detroit alone but now Izzy is amongst family. She’s going to need all of them to unravel the tangled lines of her past and survive to forge a future.

Is she up for the challenge?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2021

421 people are currently reading
388 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

310 books2,911 followers
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,107 (76%)
4 stars
517 (18%)
3 stars
123 (4%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
Profile Image for Jenn Miller.
40 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2021
Fabulous, snarky fun as always!

I honestly don't think Amanda writes any boring books. This one was amazing. Which I'm partial to the Grimlock series. I actually cried a smidge at the end. I love that the little pink haired spit fire, Luna, had a bigger role in this book. She's like a mini Aisling. I hope this series & Mystic Caravan never come to an end.
Profile Image for Munira Vahed.
453 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2021
Wow!! Wow!!! Wow!!!

Woah Izzy goes through so much in this book. Luna plays a vital part in it. I loved Luna and Cormac interactions in this book. Format is the father every little would love to have and wish for. He's so caring and he would do anything for his children. Lily is getting her first taste of food and it becomes a competition to see who gets to feed her.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next book to see what happens in their fight against the revenants.
Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2021
One of my favorite supernatural cozy mystery series

One of my favorite supernatural cozy mystery series. An extraordinarily awesome cast of characters and an especially spectacular storyline. A world where grim reaper‘s collect the souls of those who have passed away and move them on to the other side. This particular story follows a particular area of Grim Reaper‘s in the Detroit Michigan area. The Grimlock Family is one of the families responsible for reaping the souls of those in and around Detroit Michigan. The father is Highup in the reaper establishment and all five of his children four sons and one daughter are also reapers and collect souls. The original series start out based just on this family and then expanded to a wider view of the repo world including the keeper of the death gate on Bell Isle near Detroit. Easy is in charge of the gate and her crew is responsible for transferring the souls to the other side. In this expanded world Izzy and her crew as well as the Grimlock family must fight Reminence and wreaths who are trying to take over and destroy the reapers so that it that they can devour all of the souls and live forever in human bodies without souls. And eclectic bunch of characters and at times a dark and action-packed storyline. Yet at times it is also hilarious and funny and the characters always have a bit of Snark and attitude. Extraordinarily entertaining and never disappointing. Check it out Pham
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2021
Why did it have to end so soon??!!

Long awaited and I couldn't put it down.. now I feel bereft..

With a furry conference, booked by her predecessor, due to take place on Belle Island Izzy is already feeling on edge before one of the organisers is found dead in the water. Calling Griffin to help in case it turns out to be something more para than normal he's caught in the eye of the danger when a sea monster attacks the diving crew looking for clues. Then Emmett walks back through the gate, confused about how long he's been away, with scrambled memories of the past five years and no recollection of his wife's death or the trouble he caused. Cormack's family are blindsided.

Izzy's grandfather also appears without warning, having sensed that trouble is coming he's flown in from New Orleans, and he's also called on her aunt Maxine to assist with his research into the wards around the gate and it's historic purpose. Izzy's taken aback having considered their relationship broken but the powerful brujo and witch have always been jointly focused on protecting Izzy.

With the Grimlocks and Luna as back up, and ghostly advice from an unexpected quarter, can Izzy work out how to tackle the latest attack and stop the revenants from taking over the gate?
Profile Image for Todd.
131 reviews
October 13, 2021
Great book in the series

I really enjoyed this one. It was very well thought out and though it was just a battle in the war, it showed some very significant parts to the characters.

That the author has also been able to relate how the reaper/planar system might be working is inspired. Not everyone will be happy with the non-Heaven and Hell scenario, though it does ring true, at least as far as this universe runs. Who knows, maybe it’s even how ours does too??

I liked having Lily and Izzy’s parents appear in the final chapter. It was a good omen for things to progress from and something the characters needed to begin to face their upcoming war.

I have always like the Grimlock family and reaper stories, but I have enjoyed it a lot more since Izzy became the main focus and not Aisling. Izzy is a much more nuanced character. Luna could be an interesting addition to the mix, but I hope it retains Izzy as the main magic muscle and only brings Luna in as a foil for Cormack’s personality.

Overall, it’s just a fun universe of characters and a good read.
1,157 reviews18 followers
April 6, 2021
The confrontations at the gate are becoming deadly.

Izzy and the Grimlocks are still.feeling from the events in previous books. Things are coming to a head with the Revenants and the Wraiths, the gate seem to be the epicentre -------------------- but---------------- the enemy has found a way to create gates in other places, so the threat can now.come.literally from anywhere, it's not enough to watch the gate they also have to keep looking over their shoulder for what's coming behind them. Carmack and his family are almost working alone not sure who can be trusted anymore in the Reaper council. Izzy gets some much needed help from Luna, the young homeless witch we met in previous books. Are we possibly seeing a match for Redmond here? I hope so. There's the usual family shenanigans from the Grimlocks and Izzy' s grandfather has travelled from New Orleans to lend whatever help.he can. Love this series and love the Grimlocks.
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,311 reviews
April 5, 2021
What? Nooooo! Why did it finish there! 😱

From the synopsis I was half expecting this to be the last book in Izzy’s tale. Thankfully, it’s not, but there is so much going on that it wouldn’t surprise me if Luna was going to get a spin-off series of her own after what went down in this book.

Izzy is as amazing as always. She’s confident, but not arrogant or cocky *cough* like the Grimlocks *cough*, and seeing her Grandpa was so sweet. Braden keeps fluffing his first impressions, and Griffin is once again put in a difficult spot. Cormack has a lot on his plate, and action is ramping up with the Gate mystery and I just had a blast reading this as lounged around this morning.

Can’t recommend this series highly enough, but you definitely need to read Aisling’s series first to get the most out of this one.

4.5 stars ⭐️
Profile Image for Catherine.
487 reviews
April 9, 2021
How Stunning Is This?

A series I can't resist just keeps getting better. When Izzy's grandfather comes from New Orleans for a visit, he's just in time to join forces with her & the Grimlock reaper clan. The revenants have found a way to set up other Gates. Meanwhile Izzy is having strange dreams of being on the other side of the Gate. When the traitorous father of Cormack, Emmett comes back through the Belle Isle Gate thinking it's five years earlier, foreboding fills her. Who is the female ghost that shows up in the dreams? She seems so familiar. To make things worse, there's a small collection of furries who are having a convention on the island. When the battle draws nearer, the whole Grimlock & Sage clans, including their friends, get ready. But the fight comes
from a unexpected quarter.

Profile Image for Lori.
362 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2021
Exceptional!

At times funny, at times heart wrenching, this story packed a lot of punch!
Izzy's grandfather has surprised her with a visit to catch up with her, and to meet Braden. Braden doesn't make the best first impression, but her grandfather knows Izzy wouldn't have fallen in love with anyone that wasn't a great guy.
The visit is going well, but the revenants haven't given up; not by a long shot. Someone is building gates in out of the way places, and Luna has helped the team find a couple of them.
There is a lot going on, and a battle coming up sooner than they think. It's going to be an important one, but maybe just the opening of a much bigger war.
Fortunately, between Luna and some help from an unexpected source, they are as ready as they can be.
Hopefully it will be enough. It has to be!
Profile Image for Lisa.
39 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2021
Phenomenal addition to the series. I love the incorporation of related series characters and that you can see an obvious line of continuation even after this series ends. I devoured this book, it was simply difficult to put down. I absolutely recommend it but I would start with the first Aisling Grimlock book to get enough context to truly enjoy, I've read all of the author's books so I catch many of the connections and references but not all I'm sure. This book references not just the Aisling Grimlock series but covenant college, mystic caravan, and others while giving intriguing hints to a sequel series I'm hopeful for with a character named Luna.
5 reviews
April 10, 2021
LOVE IT!!!!

Amanda M. Lee came through with a great book yet again, Only the Buried made me cry, laugh and also l think of long gone family and how great it would be to see them, talk to them one more time. I read this book in a day and didn't wanted to end. I love all the series she has written all and love (I know I sound like a teenager with repeating the word love a lot) but I do love all her books characters each and every single one of every book I've read of Amanda
Profile Image for Brenda Allen.
1,552 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2021
Amanda M Lee is a new all time favorite author. She has a way of drawing you into a book and getting your feeling involved. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I love the Grimlock's and all of the other characters. I love how she gets other characters from other series into the mix. I have never laughed and cried reading a book as I have reading hers books. The only other Authors that have manged to do that are Nora Roberts, JD Robb, Catherine Coulter, and Richard H. Stephens. Would love to find more that can do that.
Profile Image for fiona hope.
59 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2021
Always a blast.

Amanda M. Lee always delivers. I am a 57 year old woman but I can't tell you how much joy I get from reading her books. It's always an interminable wait before the next one comes out. When these series finally end I will take the greatest pleasure in starting each and every series over again. From the Grimlocks to Scout, to the excruciatingly funny Zoe Winters, and so many more, she gives me hours and hours of unadulterated pleasure. Thank you Miss Lee for feeding my insatiable appetite for a well written,beautifully crafted story.
85 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2021
Family is what you make it

I love this family. If it was a tv show or song I'd keep it on a loop.
I wish I saw more of the early visitor (avoiding spoilers) they seemed less engaged than I expected. Sometimes I didn't know if they were in the room.
Very much enjoyed the merrow couple. Love Luna and Cormack fighting. Never said who owned the house? Angelina was mentioned. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews45 followers
April 13, 2021
An absolute blast

Talk about action packed... and just talk about talk I mean seriously between Aisling her brothers and Luna lol there was a lot of awesome talking happening... I loved Sami was involved to and I’m enjoying Izzy coming into herself... Izzy’s grandfather is a delight as is Maxine and Cormac is the best man ever omg how he took to Luna instantly was brilliant.
The ending was extra special.
Profile Image for Kristi.
275 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2021
Great one in this series

I love this series , even more than Aisling Grimlock.series. this series the characters from that series are in along with Paris from. Zoey mage different series college years then later ones. Lizzy grandfather shows up , the furriers take over Island , and favorite oink haired witch helps meet her in another series when circus came to town. . love the crossovers .
Profile Image for Marilu.
22 reviews
November 8, 2021
Wow!

I have to say that I really love a lot of Amanda M. Lee's books but this one I could really relate to. I love the character Luna and how hard she is because otherwise the streets would eat her up. In one spot she says her language is a reflex. I loved that word that she used because I know it is true. The only thing that gets on my nerves about her books is that all the guys are wonderful. Not my experience. But I can get past it.
169 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2022
Battles, both Fast and Furious

The war is heating up. And our side just doesn’t know enough yet to see the larger plan.
So, this book has Furries, ghosts, Cormack’s parents, more of our favorite pink-haired witch, and some more of Paris, as well as the fighting Mer couple. Also, more of that Grimlock dynamic. It’s also nice to see more of a certain FBI agent I believe we met early in Poet’s backstory.
Profile Image for Beth.
624 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2023
Monsters and battles

This was much better without all the silly banter of the last book. I like the banter but sometimes it is too much. This book had a balanced amount. I like that Luna has now become a part of the team and can see her as a new addition to the family. The monsters behind the gate are getting craftier but I thin team Grimlock will prevail. Looking forward to the next.
17 reviews
November 15, 2024
Death Gate Reapers a Great Series

This is books six and it made me want to finish the series and explore Amanda M Lee as an author. She has multiple series that touch Easter eggs within each other.
All by themselves the Grimolock family and Izzy are a power house.
Family love and romantic love is plentiful. I finish one book and roll to the next. This is my second time reading this series. Have fun. I did
302 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2021
The War With the Revenants Continues

With some help from a friendly ghost, Izzy and a cast of familar characters come together to solve a death and continue to fight revenants during a furry convention.

Lots of action, explosions, and a healthy dose of snark and drama.

Eagerly awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
664 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2021
Another great read.

I liked the interactions between the newer characters with the Grimlocks since they are not a typical family. Lots of drama to deal with. Luna's interaction with Cormack was my favorite. I laughed until I cried at those two. I read way too fast and now the wait for the next.
Profile Image for Brandi Mckeithan.
23 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2021
Izzy

This is my favorite series by Amanda Lee. And this book did not disappoint. I laughed so hard at the Grimlocks craziness and cried at some parts(don’t want to spoil). We are starting to get more answers about what is happening. The puzzle pieces are starting to come together and I can’t wait for the next one.
100 reviews
April 10, 2021
Wow

This book made me feel, all the feels. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Amanda Lee keeps outdoing herself with each book. I want to be part of the Grimlock family and attend one of their dinners. I want to help everyone fight to bad things just to be part of it. Thank you for bringing the Grimlocks into our lives.
13 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2021
Another great book!!!

I wait with great anticipation every time Amanda M Lee is got a book coming out, and this book was not a disappointment. I love every character but I enjoyed getting to see more of Luna. I do hope we get to see more of Luna. This book had me laughing and crying. A must read!!
Profile Image for Toni.
363 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2021
Absolutely the best!!!! But DON'T read it out of order! Amanda is the best as character development and reading this book before the others will ruin the whole series for those who enjoy her writing.

Amanda M. Lee is excellent at writing captivating stories with fantastic characters and exotic places. I absolutely recommend all of her series.
441 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2021
Fun read

It's always a fun time when the Grimlock's are involved and this book is no exception. Izzy and everyone have their work cut out for them. Luna even jumps into help along with a few surprises. I look forward to the next book. On another note, I just want a Cormack to adopt me though, because I want my favorite foods.
43 reviews
April 12, 2021
Needs editing

I love Izzy and the Grimlocks, but this book really let me down in the editing department. Usually Amanda's books are flawless, but this one had a lot of grammatical errors and was missing words, etc. I loved the story and look forward to the next, but I really hope they spend more time on editing.
Profile Image for Cindy.
100 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2021
Great series

I am really enjoying this series! It’s tied to the earlier series from this author centered around the Grimlock family, but though they feature large here,bruja Izzy is the star. Characters from other series keep popping in for crossover appearances, so readers get to catch up with their favorites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.